Post by agfan4ever on Aug 21, 2007 8:29:24 GMT -5

Minuk is a very good quality GOML doll. Her costume is soft fur, but ther are a few small parts, so you shouldn't let any young children play with them.

She has a sweet face, with long black braids and large red, white and blue beaded earrings.

Her book is touching and sweet, but it has a couple very tough spots that children who are affected by dramatizing or young children probably should not read. I could tell that the author, Kirkpatrick Hill, did her research on 1890 Yup'iks, because her descriptions of their customs were very vivid and clear.

Post by daughterofthedryad on Jun 1, 2011 19:43:32 GMT -5

I did not like Minuk's book at all. It was extremely well-researched but I found Minuk to be an irritating character. Also, there are a couple of mentions given to menstruation and other topics suitable for older girls, the target audience.

The doll is very pretty but to someone who loves pretty dresses, her fur costume is uninteresting. Minuk is definitely the least-decorated of the dolls.

The fur costume is in several pieces. The leggings come down to the tops of the boots but are cut off abruptly, with no finishing whatsoever. The boots hide this but it is definitely a flaw compared to the rest of the collection. The jacket comes down low and covers the entire arm, as well as having a hood. The hood is removable to show off Minuk's braids. She also has removable mittens, simply a pocket-shaped piece of fur (which are difficult to get back onto splayed fingers); and her boots are in two pieces (again attesting to the relative cheapness of this outfit). The fur part is one piece, and the actual boot is a fake leather moccasin. You can't tell they're two pieces until you actually hand-examine the outfit. All put together though, it looks impressive.

Minuk also has lovely beaded earrings (her only ornamentation, besides the tassels on her back) and glossy black braids. One thing I found annoying: her braids are stitched to the front of the jacket.

C for the book, because I personally didn't like it, and B- for the doll--it's a great concept (an Alaskan doll is quite unique!), but poor execution, particularly in the costume. Compared to others in the collection, Minuk's costume is put together quite cheaply. A disappointment.

Post by dollyanna on Feb 20, 2013 3:31:10 GMT -5

I think Minuk's outfit is perfect. It is completely accurate. Her boots, as tradition dictates, is in 2 pieces. Yupik moccasins are worn on the foot, and a top made of fur is wrapped around the ankle and calf, then tied on. Much like Apache leggings are worn, which creates the look of an European idea of a boot. Her parka, again, is historically accurate. But look closer! There is the tiniest of trim between each different 'skin'! How did they accomplish that intricate piece of detailing?The plush faux fur used to create her tribal regalia is the finest and highest quality. It feels completely real!Now, for her hairstyle... Look at her forehead hairline. The tiniest braids come from her part, along the hairline and merge with the larger side braids. Now the mitts. Alaskan native winter mittens don't have individual fingers. That's not possible unless the fur is removed from the skin, and the fur us needed for warmth. Only a thumb is made. Now, Minuk's hand is too tiny for this detail, and the omission is very forgivable. I love her, she is definitely the most cuddly of all the GOMLs... And the most patient, as she withstands all demonstrations of affection from all ages!A side note...I've read mention of different parts of GOML Outfits or braids being attached to the main costume... that was only done for packaging and may be removed for " play". They aren't meant to be permanent. But, it's your choice... depends on how " minty" you want them to remain.